Richards Dry Dock and Engineering Ltd

Photographs of workers at Richards Dry Dock in 2007

By Laura Matthews

Profile of Simon Coote: General Manager of Richards Dry Dock and Engineering

Simon first started working in a shipyard in Lowestoft as an engineer before moving to Richards Dry Dock and Engineering in Great Yarmouth where he has been working for the past 11 years. He is currently the general manager, which involves managing the day-to-day operations of the company.

The main bulk of the work at Richards is the repair of North Sea oil and gas vessels, they also repair small workboats and hulls for various companies. Building a boat depends on the size: they build from kits, which can take from 18 to 30 weeks depending upon the size of the boat.

Simon says: "From an operational point of view, the job has changed little over the past 30 to 40 years. The yard is divided up into different areas, the biggest of which is the fabrication site, where the steel workers and welders work. The engineering department, joinery department and a painting department are also on the yard".

Simon's typical day involves project managing new jobs: new builds and repairs, making sure the work is on time, and keeping everything on budget. He most enjoys the variety and challenges the job brings. Despite closures in the industry he believes the future of this yard is healthy as there will always be a need for someone to repair boats.